Digital Commons Network^™

How The Sui Generis Principle Has Been Historically Abused In International Law: From The British To The Israelis, Ahmad Hamdan

Human Rights Brief

I. Introduction

For over a century, powerful actors have used a single Latin phrase, sui generis, as a shield to evade accountability under international law. Meaning “of its own kind,” this theory dictates that a situation is so unique that ordinary rules should not apply. In international law, sui generis typically refers to situations or entities that cannot easily be categorized under existing legal frameworks or conventions. Its use indicates that there is no directly applicable precedent and that, as a result, no legal principles apply; instead, the situation itself will set the precedent. While some researchers argue that …

Examining The Results Of Revolutions In The Third World: A Case Study Of The Iranian, Libyan, And Nicaraguan Revolutions, Noah A. Mohammedelamien

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This thesis examines the post-revolutionary trajectories of Libya, Iran, and Nicaragua to explain why some Third World revolutionary projects preserve and use elements of their founding ideology while others fragment, personalize, or diffuse over time. Rather than focusing on the causes of revolution alone, it analyzes the durability of religious-socialist ideological continuity after revolutionary upheaval. Using a (MDSD) comparative historical and institutional approach grounded in primary and secondary sources, the study evaluates five key dimensions across the cases: religious-socialist ideological fusion, religious elite loyalty, popular religious mobilization, institutional embedding of ideology, and external pressure. The findings suggest ideological continuity is …

Project Hourglass Dan Representasi Multidimensional Perbatasan Israel-Mesir, Dhannya Febryana

Multikultura

The Israel–Egypt border functions not merely as a geographic demarcation, but as a social, political, and cultural space imbued with symbolic meaning. Since its establishment in 1906 up to the construction of Project Hourglass in 2010, this border has shifted from a colonial administrative line to a fragile symbol of peace and a site of global securitization. This study employs a qualitative approach based on literature review and representational analysis, drawing on Stuart Hall’s representation theory as well as David Newman and Anssi Paasi’s concepts of borders in area studies. The findings reveal that the Israel-Egypt border is represented through …

Turkish Eyes For America: How Turkey Embraced The United States In The Interwar Period, Jack Goodwin

The Ozark Historical Review

This research discusses the unique relationship developed between the United States and Turkey between world wars and invites us to reconsider the popular understanding of the United States’ place in Turkey and questions the ways American officials believed were the most effective at spreading their national ideals and culture.

Call For Papers For The Journal Of Social Encounters’ Special Issue

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Japan’S Military Transformation In Abe Era: A Revolution Or Something Else?, Ganesh Aji Wicaksono, Tangguh Chairil

Journal of Strategic and Global Studies

After the World War II, Japan has been adopting a pacifist Constitution and established the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) for narrow self-defense operations. The JSDF are restricted from having offensive military weapons. However, Japan’s pacifism and restrained security policy have been evolving recently, especially during the term of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (2012-2020). The latest example is Japan’s plan to enable forward defense and counterstrike. This paper explores the transformation of Japan’s military through the revolution of military affairs (RMA) concept. The findings suggest evolutionary transformation of Japan’s military rather than revolutionary. The factors explored include international and domestic factors. …

Unveiling The Shadows: Exploring The Roles Of The Dark Web And Encrypted Messaging Apps In Facilitating Online Terrorist Networks, Eziho Promise Ogele

Journal of Strategic and Global Studies

The paper examines the pivotal roles of the Dark Web and encrypted messaging apps in enabling online terrorist networks. These platforms have become essential tools for extremist groups, empowering them to communicate, coordinate, and share intelligence securely. The Dark Web, a hidden portion of the internet, provides a secure conduit for terrorist organizations to emerge, operate, and coordinate activities anonymously. This digital haven enables terrorists to share resources, plan operations, and execute attacks as part of their secret operations strategy. Encrypted messaging apps, such as Telegram and WhatsApp, offer an additional layer of security, allowing terrorists to send messages anonymously …

Convergence Of Indonesia-South Korea Green Economy Strategy: A Case Study Of Hyundai Motor Group's Investment In The Ev Industry, Darynaufal Mulyaman, Dwi Agustina, Rudolf Davier Figo, Gabriel Alexander Mahameru Sipahutar, Abdullah Akbar Rafsanjani

Journal of Strategic and Global Studies

Hyundai Motor Group's investment in the electric vehicle (EV) industry in Indonesia reflects the convergence of green economy strategies between Indonesia and South Korea. The study aims to analyze the contribution of Hyundai investment in the development of the local EV ecosystem, including technology transfer, supporting infrastructure, and its impact on the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The research method used is a qualitative study with a case study approach. The results show that Hyundai Motor Group's investment supports Indonesia's green economy policy, despite challenges related to dependence on natural resources and infrastructure. This research contributes to academics and …

Repositioning North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato): The New Security Dilemma On Trans–Atlantic Relations Amid Shifting Global Geopolitics, Daniel C. George, Indra Alverdian

Journal of Strategic and Global Studies

The shifting global geopolitics have led to a new security dilemma in Europe, especially in trans–Atlantic relations. NATO as the vanguard of the trans–Atlantic defense pact is faced with transitional conditions of non-conventional threats that return to conventional threats. Due to the shift in the new global order, these threats require a repositioning for NATO to counter the new security dilemma amidst shifting global geopolitics. By referring to the three asserted pillars–the return of conventional warfare on the European continent; a more assertive Russia in the European continent under Vladimir Putin; and the geopolitical of China's rise impacted trans–-Atlantic …

The History And Manifestations Of The Metaverse In Contemporary Literature, Marlon Semuel Contantin Kansil, Wanting Sun

Journal of Strategic and Global Studies

The metaverse, an interactive and immersive virtual world, has emerged as a critical theme in contemporary literature, significantly impacting narratives and character development. This paper explores the history and literary manifestations of the metaverse, investigating its influence on identity, space, and social interactions. We find that the metaverse supports flexible and individualistic identities, reshaping how characters and readers understand themselves. The digital space of the metaverse provides a dynamic setting for moral and emotional conflicts, enriching the literary aesthetics of space. Furthermore, literature plays a crucial role in both shaping and reflecting the concept of the metaverse, employing symbolism and …

Illuminating Progress: Charting An Energy-Driven Future For The Islamic World, Syarifah Huswatun Miswar

Journal Of Middle East and Islamic Studies

This paper examines the development of the energy sector in the Islamic world, focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries in the transition to sustainable energy. Despite being rich in natural resources, many Islamic countries are still dependent on fossil fuels and face constraints in universal energy access. This study analyzes the current energy landscape in OIC countries, identifies key barriers to energy development, and emphasizes the need for a new roadmap that integrates knowledge and development. The research also investigates the potential role of Islamic finance in funding sustainable energy projects, with a …

The Importance Of Sunni-Iraqi Support In The Rise And Fall Of Isis In Iraq, Deja Meekins

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

ISIS, a Salafi-jihadist terrorist organization stationed in the Middle East, has had its fair share of "successes" and "failures," both of which have been present in Iraq. Toward the beginning of the development of ISIS, it garnered a very powerful supporter base in Iraq. However, that has changed since then; ISIS currently, in 2024, no longer has the support of the vast majority of the Iraqi people. What is the reason for this? This research paper will seek to analyze and answer two major questions: what role does the Iraqi Sunni population play in ISIS’s trajectory of successes and failures …

A Veneer Of Democracy: How El-Zu’Ama Dominate Lebanon’S Political System, Sami Banat

Political Science Honors Projects

As Lebanon has endured a never-ending cycle of crises for decades, scholars have sought explanations via the country’s intense sectarian system, and have investigated its origins extensively. However, this search has neglected the question of sectarianism’s permeance and maintenance. This paper will focus on the latter, and argues that the sectarian system is sustained by a sectarian elite class, known as el-zu’ama, via their own cults of personality enabling them to maintain control of their sects. This paper will examine pre-statehood history, the civil war, post-war reconstruction, and finally, modern failed challenges to the system to illustrate this thesis.

The Effective Of The Chinese Position Towards The Achievement Of Palestinian Political Goals, Alaa Aldeek, Jun Ding

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

The political process between the Palestinians and the Israelis did not lead to the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state in accordance with the settlement option that led to the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993, or as stipulated in international legitimacy. Accordingly, there has been a great debate within the Palestinian arena about the effectiveness and importance of the negotiating option in achieving Palestinian political goals in the future. China supports a negotiated political solution, provided the firm and consistent implementation of international law and international resolutions towards resolving the Palestinian issue, and that Israel and …

The Last Colony: Theoretical Explanations On The Protractedness Of The Western Sahara Conflict, Elisabeth H. Austrheim

Journal of African Conflicts and Peace Studies

“There has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefited” (Tzu 1963: 73).

The forty-eight yearlong Western Sahara conflict over the former Spanish colony between Polisario and the Kingdom of Morocco continues its low prospects of resolution. The future of the territory, with both strategic geopolitical and financial relevance, remains uncertain in which the reasons for the continued prolongation appear to be many. Different conflict theories emphasise various factors causing protractedness, suggesting that many different causes, together, have engendered the current lack of settlement. Whilst the theory of protracted social conflicts emphasises developed high-tensioned, hostile relations between …

Face Of Terror In Gaza: Hamas’ Birth, Evolution And A Nuanced Rethink, Debangana Chatterjee

Popular Media

Excerpt:

While discussing Hamas now, with terrorism and the ongoing siege of the Gaza Strip by Israel as the backdrop, we must consider the backstory of politics and international relations. And that the growth of Hamas had a lot to do with its isolation as the ruling authority in Gaza. Isolation, which handed it unaccountable access to resources that came its way.

Why Islamism Failed In Syria, Ararat Kostanian

Journal of Terrorism Studies

The Arab Spring has not fulfilled the desires of millions of demonstrators in Middle East. The desires to see the expanded role of the civil society has been muted by the Islamists and particularly by the Muslim Brotherhood. The Article puts the focus on the failure of Islamism in Syria during the uprising for several reasons, such as the inability of the Muslim Brotherhood to shape a new leadership, and its rejectionist agenda that had nurtured skepticism by the opposition factions. Furthermore, the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood had been unable to change its political motivation and kept insisted on shifting the …

Tunisia: The Colonized Road To A Democratic Identity, Kara Broene

Graduate Research Conference (GSIS)

The death of one Tunisian man by self-immolation in 2010 created uprisings in 18 other Arab countries in what is known as the 2011 Arab Spring. As a result, Tunisia managed to overthrow its long-standing autocratic government and establish a democracy; it is the only nation who has managed to maintain those changes since 2011. As the first point of protest and the only success story, what makes Tunisia different from the other 18 nations? While there has been research on why Tunisia has succeeded, there is little on how Tunisia’s colonial history under France for 75 years might have …

S-400s, Disinformation, And Anti-American Sentiment In Turkey, Russell "Alex" Korb, Saltuk Karahan, Gowri Prathap, Ekrem Kaya, Luke Palmieri, Hamdi Kavak, Richard L. Wilson (Ed.), Major Brendan Curran (Ed.)

Political Science & Geography Faculty Publications

As social and political discourse in most countries becomes more polarized, anti-Americanism has risen not only in the Middle East and Latin America but also among the U.S. allies in Europe. Social media is one platform used to disseminate anti-American views in NATO countries, and its effectiveness can be magnified when mass media, public officials, and popular figures adopt these views. Disinformation, in particular, has gained recognition as a cybersecurity issue from 2016 onward, but disinformation can be manufactured domestically in addition to being part of a foreign influence campaign. In this paper, we analyze Turkish tweets using sentiment analysis …

ภาพยนตร์ฟอร์เรสท์ กัมพ์ กับการประกอบสร้างอัตลักษณ์ทางการเมืองอเมริกัน, ธนภัทร จตุรชัยเดช

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

สารนิพนธ์ฉบับนี้ศึกษาบทบาทของภาพยนตร์เรื่อง "ฟอร์เรสท์ กัมพ์" ในการประกอบสร้าง สร้างความตระหนักรู้และอัตลักษณ์ทางการเมืองผ่านการฉายภาพ อุดมคติ และค่านิยมให้กับชาวอเมริกัน มีจุดมุ่งหมายเพื่อตอบคำถามว่า "Forrest Gump" กำหนดเอกลักษณ์ทางการเมืองของสหรัฐอเมริกาในยุคหลังสงครามเย็นได้อย่างไร โดยใช้กรอบแนวคิด "วัฒนธรรมสมัยนิยมและอัตลักษณ์ทางการเมือง" และ "บทบาทและวัตถุประสงค์ของภาพยนตร์" การศึกษาพบว่ายุคหลังสงครามเย็นซึ่งถูกมองว่าเป็นยุคแห่งชัยชนะของอเมริกา สอดคล้องกับความเชื่อที่ว่าอเมริกาเป็นชาติที่พระเจ้าทรงเลือกสรร อย่างไรก็ตาม อย่างไรก็ดี การไม่มีศัตรูจากภายนอกไม่ได้ทำให้ขวัญกำลังใจของชาติดีขึ้นแต่อย่างใด ประกอบกับความล้มเหลวในสงครามเวียดนามหรือที่เรียกว่า "เวียดนามซินโดรม" ชาวอเมริกันจึงต้องการบางสิ่งบางอย่างเพื่อปลุกขวัญกำลังใจ ภาพยนตร์ฟอร์เรสท์กัมพ์ เติมเต็มความต้องการนี้ด้วยการสร้างประวัติศาสตร์ที่เรียบง่ายขึ้นมาใหม่ โดยเปลี่ยนเรื่องราวที่ซับซ้อนให้กลายเป็นเรื่องราวทางศีลธรรมเพื่อสร้างฉันทามติทางสังคมใหม่ กระบวนการนี้เกิดขึ้นภายในบริบทของศีลธรรมที่แตกร้าวในโลกยุคหลังสงครามเย็น

Aftermaths Of Opposition: Effectiveness Of Repression Against Reformist Islamists In Saudi Arabia, Londyn Lorenz

Honors Theses

Saudi Arabia has long been considered a religious, political, and economic hub of the Middle East and North Africa as the home of the two holiest cities in Islam: Mecca and Medina. The kingdom’s leaders, the Al Saud family, have relied on their Islamic clout to remain in power since the 1700s, but their Islamic credentials were called into question following their allowance of American troops on Saudi soil and alliance with Western ideals during and following the Gulf War of the 1990s. Islamist outrage against the throne poured out across the nation, bringing demands for political change and increased …

Irregular Migration In Morocco: A Case For Constructionism, Mourad Khalil

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Separated by only 14 kilometers of water from Spain, Morocco has become a common destination for many sub-Saharan irregular migrants trying to reach Europe. With a large population of these migrants, Morocco has had to make important decisions on how to manage its irregular migrant population. However, the terrible conditions and regular violations of human rights that irregular migrants in Morocco are subject to lead one to ponder the role that international relations has and the extent to which human rights is a consideration in the policymaking of irregular migration. Applied to the three primary theories of international relations, liberalism, …

The Occupier's Autocracy: A Contextual Analysis Of The Consolidation Of Authoritarianism In The Palestinian Authority, Adam Simpson

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

'Here We Start And In Jerusalem We Meet:' The Motivational And Organizational Influences Of Israel's Statehood Ontransnational Salafi Jihad, Charlotte Armistead

Honors Theses

The Israeli occupation of Palestine and its impact on the proliferation and longevity of transnational Salafi jihad is largely underestimated in current literature. In this thesis, I argue that Palestine, defined as both the nation and physical borders before the Balfour Declaration, largely contributed to the twentieth century revival of transnational Salafi jihad and is used by both Al Qaeda and ISIS as liberation and annihilation movements, respectively. In order to assess the motivational and organizational influences of the Israeli occupation of Palestine on transnational Salafi jihad, I examine the works of Abdullah Azzam, a selection of Osama Bin Laden’s …

Gender Equality And Democratization: How Greater Gender Equality Helps Explain Tunisian Success In The Arab Spring, Hannah Miller

Sigma: Journal of Political and International Studies

No abstract provided.

Aid Memoir, Larry Hollingworth

International Affairs

Larry Hollingworth, current visiting Professor of Humanitarian Studies at Fordham University in New York City, served as head of the UNHCR’s efforts in Bosnia throughout the lengthy conflict that plagued the former Yugoslavia in the early to mid ’90s. Aid Memoir follows Larry and his UN colleagues throughout multiple efforts to provide much-needed relief for besieged, isolated, and desperate communities riddled by senseless killing and aggression. The characters encountered throughout are at times thrilling, at times frightening. Larry spares no details, however troubling, and therefore shines a telling light on the reality of the situation that most will remember to …

Arab Media's Representation Of Arab-Israeli Normalization Agreements, Rylan L. Forester

Honors Theses

When, on August 13, 2020, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced it was normalizing relations with the state of Israel, few could have predicted the effects it would have. However, since the Emirati decision, three other Arab countries - Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco - have reached agreements with Tel Aviv to normalize relations. Such events are a sharp divergence from the status quo and thus, this thesis examines, through the application of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and analyzed through a constructivist framework, how three Arab media sources - Al-Jazeera, Al-Arabiya, and Al-Mayadeen - discuss and represent these normalization agreements. By …

ความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างอียิปต์กับจีนระหว่าง ค.ศ 2018-2021: ศึกษากรณีโครงการหนึ่งแถบหนึ่งเส้นทาง, ประดับพร วงศ์ปัญญา

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

บทความวิจัยฉบับนี้มีวัตถุประสงค์ที่จะศึกษาและวิเคราะห์ถึงผลประโยชน์ของอียิปต์ผ่านโครงการหนึ่งแถบหนึ่งเส้นทางของจีน (The Belt and Road Initiative: BRI) โดยใช้แนวคิดภูมิรัฐศาสตร์แบบดั้งเดิม จากการศึกษาพบว่า อียิปต์ตระหนักดีว่า ลักษณะภูมิประเทศของอียิปต์เป็นพื้นที่ยุทธศาสตร์สำคัญที่จะช่วยผลักดันโครงการ BRI ให้สำเร็จ รวมถึงได้ปฏิรูปมาตรการทางเศรษฐกิจเพื่อดึงดูดการลงทุนจากจีนและต่างประเทศเพิ่มมากขึ้น นอกจากนี้ จีนและอียิปต์เห็นพ้องต้องกันว่า โครงการ BRI กับการพัฒนาตามวิสัยทัศน์อียิปต์ ค.ศ. 2030 (Egypt Vision 2030) เป็นไปในทิศทางเดียวกัน ซึ่งจีนได้เข้ามาลงทุนในเศรษฐกิจอียิปต์ โดยเฉพาะการพัฒนาโครงสร้างพื้นฐานในโครงการสำคัญของ BRI และวิสัยทัศน์อียิปต์ ค.ศ. 2030 เช่น เขตความร่วมมือทางเศรษฐกิจและการค้าคลองสุเอซ เขตพัฒนาอุตสาหกรรมคลองสุเอซ และโครงการเมืองหลวงแห่งใหม่ ทำให้ได้รับผลประโยชน์ทางด้านเศรษฐกิจและการเมือง สามารถสร้างงานให้กับประชาชน แต่อียิปต์ไม่ได้รับผลประโยชน์ทางด้านเศรษฐกิจและการเมืองจากโครงการ BRI มากเท่าที่ควร เพราะตลอดระยะเวลา 8 ปีที่อียิปต์เข้าร่วมโครงการ BRI จีนลงทุน ในอียิปต์ภายใต้โครงการ BRI เพียง 4 โครงการ และไม่ได้เป็นประเทศผู้ลงทุนหลักในอียิปต์ รวมถึงอียิปต์ยังคง มีข้อท้าทายความสัมพันธ์กับจีนในเรื่องเขื่อนแกรนด์เอธิโอเปียเรเนซองส์ ในเอธิโอเปีย นอกจากนี้ อียิปต์ยังต้องรักษาความสัมพันธ์กับสหรัฐอเมริกา เพราะหากพึ่งพาจีนมากเกินไป สหรัฐอเมริกาอาจจะพิจารณาลดหรือระงับงบประมาณความช่วยเหลือทางการทหาร

How Palestinian Aid Organizations Adapt To The Possibility Of Further Annexation And Rights Abuses In The Wake Of "The Deal Of The Century", Nadia L. Wiggins

Capstone Collection

This research explores the question, “To what extent has the ‘Deal of the Century’ impacted Palestinian aid organizations, and how might it impact them in the future?” The significance of this question lies in the fact that the “Deal of the Century” claims to solve one of the longest and most complex conflicts, yet it has not been sufficiently analyzed from a Palestinian perspective nor a humanitarian perspective. Furthermore, by presenting scholarly critiques of the deal and aid worker’s concerns, my hope is that an American audience may be convinced of the complicity of our government in devising a failed …

On The Basis Of Sex: Personal Status Law Reforms And Economic Growth, Kylie Bring

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze how law reform toward gender equity has an impact on economic growth in Arab countries in the Middle East. Personal status law reform granting women economic, social, and personal freedoms is spreading across the region and showing substantial change. Using case studies of major PSL reforms in Tunisia and Morocco, this thesis outlines qualitative and quantitative evidence to support the case that gender equity benefits the economic growth of the given country.